MYANMAR: The inauguration of Myanmar's longest bridge on February 5 has completed Myanma Railways' long coastal route serving Mon state in the southeast of the country.
Linking Moktama and Mawlamyine over the Thanlwin river, the 27-span road and rail bridge is 2346m long, with approaches each side bringing the total length to 3·5 km. It closes the gap in the railway from Yangon to Yai and Dawai, where a deep-sea port is under construction (RG 11.04 p785). Work on the bridge began in March 2000 and was completed in December.
Members of Myanmar's military council participated in the inauguration ceremonies, including Commander-in-Chief Senior General Than Shwe, South-East Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Minister of Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Transport Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min.
